Computational and experimental analysis of drop-on-demand jetting of complex fluids

Research Project
, 2011
– 2016

The purpose of this project is to obtain a deepened fundamental and applied understanding of drop generation for complex fluids, whose viscosity is highly dependent on the characteristics of the flow. The project will initiate an intimate research research collaboration between the Dept. of Research and development at Micronic Mydata AB and the Dept. of Mechanics at KTH and the Dept. of Microtechnology and Nanoscience at Chalmers. Our goal is to gain fundamental and applied understanding concerning drop-on-demand drop formation of fluid suspensions. The fundamental understanding of drop formation in these fluids is not only applicable to the electronics industry, but also relevant to processes ranging from rapid prototyping, printing of metal nanoparticles for flexible circuits, as well as printing of polymers for biotechnical applications. During the two first years of the project, we expect to succeed in modelling the ejection of highly viscous non-Newtonian fluids, with or without particles, similar to solder paste. These will be compared with existing experimental work. The second half of the project will be aimed at enabling the ejection of smaller drops with modified fluids and existing and novel ejector nozzle geometries. Over ten years of development has resulted in a deep understanding of the importance of a simultaneous understanding of the physics behind the flow and the fluid, something that is reflected by the scientific group assembled to attack this problem.